What Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Do?

A workplace injury can change your life in an instant. Many injured workers in Sandusky do not know what to expect when dealing with Ohio’s workers’ compensation system. A workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you recover the benefits you deserve. Understanding what these attorneys do can make it easier to get the support you need after an on-the-job injury.

Helping You File Your Claim

One of the primary roles of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to help you file your claim correctly and on time. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) has strict rules and deadlines, and missing a requirement can delay or deny your benefits.

Your attorney can help you:

  • Complete all forms accurately
  • Gather medical records
  • Document how the injury happened
  • Submit evidence to support your claim
  • Meet deadlines set by the BWC

Ohio’s general two-year statute of limitations applies to injury cases, so injured parties should file within the deadline to avoid their claims being dismissed.

Protecting Your Rights After an Injury

Employers and insurers sometimes argue that an injury did not happen at work or is not serious. A workers’ compensation attorney works to protect your rights by challenging unfair decisions and making sure your claim receives a fair review.

They can also help if your employer:

  • Pressures you not to file a claim
  • Claims your injury is preexisting
  • Retaliates against you for reporting the injury

Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rule can affect personal injury cases that fall outside the workers’ compensation system. If parties share fault, recovery may be limited. An attorney can assist with legal claims. 

Gathering Evidence for Your Case

A workers’ compensation attorney collects the evidence needed to support your claim. 

This can include:

  • Doctor evaluations
  • Treatment records
  • Accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photos or videos
  • Expert opinions

They work closely with your medical providers to show how the injury affects your ability to work and what treatment you need.

Handling Disputes With the BWC or Employers

If your claim is denied or disputed, your attorney can represent you in hearings before the Ohio Industrial Commission. They prepare your case, present evidence, and argue on your behalf.

Common disputes involve:

  • Denied claims
  • Requests for additional treatment
  • Wage loss disagreements
  • Permanent disability ratings

Your attorney understands how the system works and what evidence is most persuasive.

Ensuring You Receive All Available Benefits

A workers’ compensation lawyer helps you pursue every benefit you may qualify for, including:

  • Medical benefits
  • Temporary total disability benefits
  • Permanent partial disability payments
  • Wage loss compensation
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Death benefits for surviving family members

Ohio law also provides detailed rules for damages in injury cases that fall outside workers’ compensation. 

Helping You Appeal a Denied Claim

If the BWC or Industrial Commission denies your claim, an attorney can help you appeal the decision. Appeals have short deadlines, and missing one can end your case. A lawyer makes sure your appeal is filed properly and supported with strong evidence.

When You May Need a Personal Injury Claim Instead

Workers’ compensation does not cover every situation. If a third party (such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver) caused your injury, you may also have a personal injury claim. These cases follow different rules and time limits.

A workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate whether you qualify for both types of claims and help you take the right steps.

Contact the Sandusky Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help Today

At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, our Sandusky workers’ compensation lawyers help injured workers file claims, fight denials, gather evidence, and pursue all available benefits. We can guide you through Ohio’s complex workers’ compensation system and protect your rights every step of the way. 

If you need help with a workers’ compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation.

For more information, contact the workers’ compensation law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870

(419) 625-7770

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902

(419) 910-2605

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452

(419) 871-3995

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089

(440) 967-6136

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857

(419) 863-5922

Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839

(419) 827-5884